FUNGI

Basic Characteristics

Fungi are heterotrophs

Fungal cell walls are made of chitin.

Fungi are multicellular organisms, with the exception of yeasts.

Inside of a Fungus

FUNGI

3 phyla:

1.Zygomycota

2.Basidiomycota

3.Ascomycota

ASCOMYCOTAcharacteristics

Ascocarp –cuplike structure from which ascospores are released

ASCOMYCOTAcharacteristics

“sac fungi” – sacs (asci) within ascocarp

ASCOMYCOTAexamples

Brewer’s & baker’s yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ASCOMYCOTAexamples

morels

ASCOMYCOTAexamples

truffles

ASCOMYCOTAreproduction

BASIDIOMYCOTAcharacteristics

Basidiocarp aboveground structure consisting of a stalk & cap with rows of gills radiating out from the center

BASIDIOMYCOTAcharacteristics

“club fungi” – clublike basidia

BASIDIOMYCOTAexamples

mushrooms

BASIDIOMYCOTAexamples

Jelly fungi

BASIDIOMYCOTAexamples

Puffballs

BASIDIOMYCOTAexamples

Bracket fungi

BASIDIOMYCOTAreproduction

ZYGOMYCOTAcharacteristics

Mostly terrestrial found primarily in soil rich in organic matter

ZYGOMYCOTAexamples

Bread mold (Rhizopus)

Penicillium species

ZYGOMYCOTAreproduction

Reproduction

Most fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually.

Yeasts reproduce asexually through budding.

Fungi reproduce sexually by producing spores. (Look back at different phyla).

Fungi may be decomposers, pathogens, or mutualists.

Fungi and bacteria are the main decomposers in any ecosystem. decompose dead leaves, twigs, logs, and

animals

return nutrients to the soil

can damage fruit trees and wooden structures

Fungi can act as pathogens.

human diseases include ringworm and athlete’s foot

plant diseases include Dutch elm disease

Mold spores

Attack crops (corn)

Fungi can act as mutualists.

- lichens form between fungi and algae

- mycorrhizae form between fungi and plants

Benefits/Advantages

Production of antibiotics –penicillin, cephalosporin

Yeast is used to produce ethanol, a main ingredient in the automobile fuel gasohol

Benefits

Used in food industry:

Mushrooms used as food – Agaricus(white button), shiitake, portabella, truffles, morels

Cheeses – blue, brie

Breads – yeast causes bread to rise

Benefits

Many are decomposers –cycle matter & nutrients in the ecosystem

Disadvantages

Mold spores can cause mild to severe allergies – sniffling, sneezing, & respiratory distress

Attack food crops – corn, beans, onions, squashes, tomatoes

Cause skin infections – athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, vaginal yeast infection

Can be poisonous Amanita (“death angel” or “destroying angel”)

can destroy the liver within 1 week Aspergillus produce aflatoxins – poisons that

cause liver cancer